Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-08-11

IELTS Writing Task 1 question

The diagram below shows how one type of desert, known as a rain-shadow desert, is formed.

Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.

The formation of rain-shadow deserts

Student answer (Band 5.5)

The diagram outlines the the stages of desert, known as a rain- shadow desert from winds approach coast to dry winds reach inland areas.

Overall, the process consists of seven main stages, beginning with sea level winds approach coast to inland dry winds reach inland areas. It also noticeable that how moist air rises and cools to form cloud while rains falls and dry air continues over mountain.

Initially, the winds start approach at sea level takes place. Following this, the winds pushed in upwards direction, during which the helps moist air vapors rises and cools to form clouds.

Furthermore, the moist air contains water practical, they try hard to hold the water in the clouds once, the capacity of holding water comes to an end the cloud bust and then finally Rain falls until the clouds are not enough empty, moving further the air dries continues over the mountain in falls to leeward side and at the end dry winds reach inland area which shows rain shadow in desert.

Therefore from sea coast to see rain shadow desert it takes thousands of kilometers.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

The response covers the main stages of the rain-shadow desert formation process, identifying the key progression from sea-level winds to the leeward side. However, the description is somewhat repetitive and lacks precision in technical terminology. While the overview is present, the explanation of the process is occasionally unclear, such as the phrase 'the cloud bust and then finally Rain falls until the clouds are not enough empty'. The response would benefit from a more analytical approach to the diagram's stages rather than a narrative retelling. Overall, it addresses the task requirements but lacks the depth and clarity expected for a higher band.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5

The essay is organised into paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the sequence of events. However, the use of cohesive devices is often mechanical or inaccurate, such as 'Therefore from sea coast to see rain shadow desert'. Some transitions are awkward, and the referencing is occasionally confusing, particularly in the third and fourth paragraphs. While there is an overall logical progression, the lack of sophisticated linking words and the somewhat disjointed sentence structure limit the flow of the response. Paragraphing is present but could be more effectively used to separate distinct stages of the process.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.0

The vocabulary is limited and sometimes imprecise. There are several instances of awkward phrasing and incorrect word choices, such as 'water practical' (likely meaning 'particles'), 'clouds are not enough empty', and 'winds start approach'. The range of vocabulary is sufficient to convey the basic meaning, but it lacks the flexibility and precision required for higher bands. The student relies on simple, repetitive language to describe scientific phenomena, which hinders the ability to communicate the process clearly and professionally.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0

The response contains frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede readability. There are issues with subject-verb agreement ('the winds start approach'), article usage ('the stages of desert'), and sentence structure ('It also noticeable that how moist air rises'). While there is an attempt to use complex sentences, these are often poorly constructed or contain errors that affect clarity. Simple structures are generally more accurate, but the overall control of grammar is inconsistent, which is characteristic of a band 5 performance.

See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.

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